JD Cymru Premier: Barry Town United 2-1 Haverfordwest County

It was arguably Haverfordwest’s best display of the season, but it ended in defeat as the Bluebirds were edged out by Barry Town United last night.

The visitors trailed at half time to a David Cotterill goal, but Ben Fawcett headed in a second half equaliser only for Nathaniel Jarvis to then hit the winner for the hosts.

Both sides threatened early on as Theo Warton skewed an effort wide for Barry, before at the other end Fawcett cut into the area and fired narrowly past the post.

It was then former Welsh international Cotterill who opened the scoring just before the half hour mark, curling in a superb 30 yard free kick past Steve Hall.

The Bluebirds responded though, as Kieran Lewis forced Barry keeper Mike Lewis into a smart save before Alaric Jones flashed a shot wide from the edge of the area.

Chances continued for both teams after the break, with Kayne McLaggon volleying over for Barry before both Fawcett and Danny Williams went close with efforts that deflected off target.

But then on the 65 minute mark the leveller came as Fawcett headed home brilliantly from a Cameron Keetch corner for his first top flight goal.

A frantic period followed, as Kieran Lewis went clean through on goal only to be again thwarted by namesake Mike – and it proved crucial as immediately Barry broke downfield and Chris Hugh crossed for Nathaniel Jarvis to score.

The visitors then twice went agonisingly close to equalising again, as Jones couldn’t connect with a Keetch free kick and then in the dying seconds, keeper Lewis was again at his best to deny Williams.

After the game, manager Wayne Jones acknowledged the result was tough to take, and must now pick the squad back up ahead of another tough away game on Saturday at Bala Town.

Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall, Ricky Watts (capt), Cameron Keetch (Marcus Griffiths 79), Scott Tancock, Alaric Jones, Kieran Lewis, Corey Shepard (Sean Pemberton 87), Kurtis Rees (Jack Britton 58), Ben Fawcett, Jack Wilson, Danny Williams. Sub not used: Nicky Palmer, Elliot Thomas.